DIRCO Annual Report

levels 11 and 12, employees on the occupational-specific dispensation paid on level 13 and officials at Finance and Supply Chain Management working with procurement and payment. The ethics officers process applications for other remunerative work for approval/disapproval by the Director-General. 5. CODE OF CONDUCT The department adheres to the Public Service Code of Conduct, read Resolution 1 of 2003. Once an allegation that any provision of the code has been breached, the department normally initiates a formal investigation on the alleged contravention of the code. The alleged offender will either be subjected to the formal or informal disciplinary processes, should the allegation be proven to have occurred. As soon as the disciplinary procedure has been concluded, the presiding officer or management has made a decision and issued a penalty, the department will give effect to the sanction imposed as a result of the said process. The effect it has on the department is that there is total compliance to prescripts within the department and discipline is maintained. 6. HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES The COVID-19 pandemic became a huge occupational health and safety hazard. As a communicable disease, it posed a high risk of transmission in the workplace. This required an urgent response to prevent its spread and maintain a healthy work environment. To this end, the department swiftly implemented specific safety measures in and around the building, for example, it became paramount for regular cleaning and disinfecting of the building, as well as surfaces and equipment to be carried out. Personal protective equipment (PPE) were issued to all employees with strict instructions to adhere. All the non-pharmaceutical measures outlined by the departments of health and labour such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and hand hygiene were promoted. These measures had a positive impact in that they promoted a healthy and safe environment for all. The OR Tambo Building’s air-condition and ventilation system were raised as issues of concern. Speculations were rife that the system had the potential to spread the COVID-19

within the building. Various presentations were made by the Imbumba Aganang Facilities Management (IAFM) to assure the COVID-19 Steering Committee and the Occupational Health and Safety Committee that the system was safe. The committee was assured that the air filters were changed regularly and posed no harm.

Hygiene assessments and maintenance of equipment such as fire extinguishers are conducted every six months by IAFM. An unannounced evacuation drill took place at OR Tambo Building in October 2020. A report was developed to apprise the 16(2) appointee. The department appointed and trained Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) representatives. Fourteen SHE representatives were formally appointed by the Acting DDG: Corporate Management in his capacity as 16(2) appointee. In addition, other employees were trained in basic fire-fighting, first aid and evacuation. The SHE representatives were subsequently appointed to serve in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee. The SHE representatives conducted health and safety inspections in the third quarter. The committee works closely with the COVID-19 Steering Committee to promote a healthy and safe environment. Unfortunately, the committee could not fully execute its functions due to lockdown and remote working conditions. As a result, inspections didn’t take place in some work areas and virtual meetings couldn’t be fully attended.

Annual Report 2020/2021 I Vote No. 6

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